Syria Travel Show 2026 to Bring Tourism Leaders Together in Damascus
With three days remaining until its opening, the inaugural Syria Travel Show 2026 is set to bring regional and international tourism leaders together in Damascus from September 28 to 30.
The three-day event will take place at Al Moutanbi Hall, Dama Rose Hotel, bringing together tourism authorities, investors, hospitality and aviation executives, travel companies, technology providers, entrepreneurs and industry professionals to explore opportunities in Syria's developing tourism and hospitality sectors.
The event will feature 34 exhibitors, 10 sponsors and 43 speakers, including nine moderators. Among the exhibitors are six startups and three small and medium-sized enterprises.
Participants from 11 countries are expected, including Syria, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Jordan, Germany, Lebanon, the United Kingdom, the United States, South Africa and Egypt.
Syria Tourism Minister to Open Event
The opening ceremony will be held under the patronage of Mazen Al-Salhani, Minister of Tourism, who will officially open the inaugural edition.
Following the opening, Al-Salhani will participate in a fireside chat with Raed Hergli, Vice President of Government Affairs at Visa, titled “Syria 2030: Reclaiming Heritage, Rebuilding the Future.”
The discussion will focus on Syria's tourism ambitions, the recovery of its visitor economy and potential partnerships to support sustainable growth in the sector.
Tourism Investment and Development on Agenda
The conference programme will feature 15 sessions covering issues including tourism policy and investment, hospitality and real-estate development, aviation and connectivity, destination positioning and cultural heritage.
Other topics will include travel distribution, tourism technology, human-capital development and community-based tourism.
Government representatives, investors, airlines, hotel operators, tourism specialists, technology companies, cultural organisations and entrepreneurs will participate in the discussions.
The programme is designed to provide opportunities for knowledge exchange and business dialogue around the development of Syria's tourism industry.
Startup Competition to Highlight New Tourism Solutions
Entrepreneurship will form another key part of the event through a dedicated startup pitch competition.
Participating founders will present their businesses, ideas and tourism-related solutions to an industry audience. Selected startups will compete for prizes while gaining exposure to potential investors, partners and tourism-sector decision-makers.
The initiative aims to support emerging businesses and encourage technology and innovation within Syria's developing visitor economy.
Platform for Regional and International Connections
The Syria Travel Show is organised by Mangusteen Events and Exhibitions, based in Qatar, and SO Media, based in Syria.
The organisers have positioned the event as a business and knowledge platform connecting Syria's tourism sector with regional and international markets.
Through its exhibition, conference, startup programme and networking activities, the event will focus on creating commercial connections and discussions around tourism investment, destination development and long-term sector growth.
Visitor Registration Enters Final Stage
Tourism professionals, investors, entrepreneurs, operators, students and others interested in Syria's tourism sector are being encouraged to register ahead of the event.
Registered visitors will have access to the exhibition, conference sessions and networking opportunities across the three days.
The exhibition will bring together destinations, tourism businesses, service providers and emerging ventures, while the conference will provide insights into priorities and opportunities shaping Syria's tourism industry.
